Smart Boys:

Talent, Manhood, and the Search for Meaning

Boys will be boys—but gifted boys may need help. Drs. Cohn and Kerr present interesting research on gifted boys and men in this thought-provoking, insightful book that sheds light on the hurdles that talented and creative boys often find themselves up against. There exists in our culture a prevailing “boy code,” in which boys aren’t supposed to cry or be “sissies.” But gifted boys are often sensitive and sometimes do cry or show other signs of their sensitivity. Society seems to say that boys are supposed to be rough and tumble, athletic and coordinated. What happens to boys who don’t fit that stereotype? Depression, underachievement, and relationship struggles are just some of the issues that smart boys face on a daily basis. This book presents suggestions to help gifted young men embrace optimism and motivation, and it includes interviews with men who have experienced crises or failures and used their experiences to become stronger, more resilient individuals. Dr. Kerr also has authored a similar book about gifted girls titled Smart Girls, available on our website.